Friday, Mar 29, 2024 | Last Update : 06:40 AM IST

  Sports   In Other sports  27 Jun 2017  Kidambi Srikanth: India’s pride

Kidambi Srikanth: India’s pride

THE ASIAN AGE. | NAMRATA SRIVASTAVA
Published : Jun 27, 2017, 6:15 am IST
Updated : Jun 27, 2017, 6:15 am IST

The nation rejoices as Kidambi Srikanth wins two consecutive Super Series titles.

Kidambi Srikanth (Photo: AP)
 Kidambi Srikanth (Photo: AP)

Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is on a roll! He gave the nation a special Id gift as he clinched the Australia Open Super Series final on Sunday, just a week after winning the Indonesia Open Super Series. Srikanth gave one of the best performances of his career to beat the World Number. 6 and current Olympic champion, Chen Long of China.

While the nation is celebrating the majestic win by tweeting congratulatory messages, Srikanth’s house in Guntur is filled with visitors. “It’s an overwhelming moment for us,” said Srikanth’s father, Kidambi Krishna. “He was always passionate about the game. Even when he was in school, he won many accolades. I am so proud of him, not just as his father but also as an Indian,” he added.

When asked about the celebrations for Srikanth’s win, Kidambi Krishna said, “Many locals came to our house and wished us. All of us went to the stadium where Srikanth used to play, before he joined the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy. We distributed sweets there. I must thank Pullela Gopichand and the other trainers and physiotherapists who have trained Srikanth and made this possible.” Srikanth’s mother, too, is very happy and eagerly awaiting his return.

K. Radha Mukunda and Kidambi Krishna,  Srikanth’s parentsK. Radha Mukunda and Kidambi Krishna, Srikanth’s parents

Chief National Coach for the Indian Badminton team, Pullela Gopichand, who has also trained Srikanth, believes that Srikanth is already a star.

“It’s a special win as he has won major events back-to-back — something which not many players have achieved. Also, this was his third final in a Super Series. As his coach, I am very satisfied with his performance and the way he won both the series — from the player against who he won and with a brilliant score! His performance has been consistent,” he says.

“The past three weeks have been good for badminton overall. Although many pointed out that Saina Nehwal and P. Sindhu haven’t made it, someone represented our nation at the games, and even won the finals! This will boost the morale of many and help the sport grow in India,” adds Gopi.

Tags: kidambi srikanth, australia open super series, pullela gopichand